A MOUNT Eliza man, 49, is one of two people charged with murder over the suspicious disappearance of Colombian national Sergio Cuesta.
The man has been remanded in custody to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 24 April.
Warrants were executed at properties in Mount Eliza and Cranbourne shortly after 2pm on Tuesday, 30 January.
Three firearms, a pill press, various quantities of what appear to be dried cannabis and cocaine, cannabis crops, a crossbow and a conducted energy device were seized from the Mount Eliza address.
A 48-year-old Cranbourne man also interviewed by police has been released pending further inquiries.
The charge follows the disappearance more than four months ago of 28-year-old Sergio Cuesta.
On Sunday (4 February), a Flagstone man, 25, was also charged with murder after arriving at Melbourne Airport the previous day on a flight from Queensland.
He faced the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday (5 February).
Cuesta was last seen about 8.15pm on 16 September 2023 when he was dropped off by a male friend in Jabiru Drive, Chelsea Heights.
A female friend reported his disappearance to police on 21 September after she hadn’t heard from him in several days.
Cuesta’s disappearance was deemed to be suspicious and is being investigated by detectives from the Missing Persons Squad.
Before his disappearance, he had been living in an apartment on Queens Road and was subject to an expired student visa.
He was also on bail in relation to drug offences and was known to have contact with people suspected of being involved in drug trafficking.
Detectives are keen to speak to anyone with information about Cuesta’s movements in the lead up to his disappearance.
Cuesta had also spent some time in Queensland in the weeks leading up to his disappearance and police are keen to speak to anyone living there who may have information about his disappearance or why he travelled interstate.
At the time of his disappearance the missing man (pictured) was wearing a black t-shirt, black pants and black sneakers. He is described as being about 170cm tall with a solid build and dark hair.
Anyone with any information regarding his disappearance is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at crimestoppersvic.com.au
First published in the Mornington News – 6 February 2024